In this season that is supposed to be favouring goodwill to all, there are some among us who do nothing to deserve the goodwill of others.
For instance, how much goodwill could possibly be afforded to individuals who steal parcels from doorsteps, collection boxes from charitable agencies, wheelchairs and vans from the physically challenged, scooters from seniors who no longer drive and cannot safely walk any distance?
Police reports from around the country regularly report such incidents, bringing with them outrage and condemnation from law-abiding and decent citizens, who in turn try to assist the victims.
One of the growing offences seems to be the theft of parcels that are left in unsecured spots on the front steps of residents who have ordered parcels from online outlets. In New York City, reports indicate, 90,000 packages a day disappear from New York City addresses, an increase of 20 per cent in four years.
In Texas, package thieves could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted, surely a punishment that would turn criminals to another lifestyle. That remains to be seen.
A survey of 1,500 Canadians suggests one in four had packages stolen from their porches.
Canada Post is looking after its customers by not leaving parcels in full view of potential thieves. Delivery drivers ring the doorbell and if no one answers, will take the parcel away, leaving a notification of attempted delivery and advising where the parcel may be claimed — at the post office or recognized postal outlets in retail stores. It might be inconvenient to have to chase after a parcel, but at least the merchandise in the parcel will eventually get into the proper hands.
Canada Post should be commended for taking this course of action, and even more so, should be praised for doing parcel deliveries on the weekends before Christmas in an attempt to keep up with the influx of parcels being directed through the post office.
What to do if you think a parcel is missing — call the sender, track the delivery, and certainly, stop credit card payment, and call the police with pertinent information.
This surge in parcel thievery is an excellent reason to shop at local businesses whenever possible, keeping money in the community and thumbing one’s nose at thieves who are too lazy to get a job, or do their own shopping.
Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
